12

Jan

GSIDC: first phase of third Mandovi bridge will be completed by Jan 16

PANAJI: Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), on Friday, said that the first phase of third bridge on River Mandovi will be completed by January 16.
According to a senior official of GSIDC, ongoing work of one lane will be completed by January 13, and work of second lane will be completed by January 16. The GSIDC will be installing National flag, with 100-feet high mast, on the bridge, which is one of the attractions of the project.
So far, the government has spent around Rs 470 crore on the bridge work, and it will spend another Rs 25-30 crore more to complete the remaining work.
The official said that once third Mandovi bridge is opened for traffic, existing two bridges will be made one way.
The existing left side bridge will be for the vehicles entering the city, and old bridge will be for those exiting the city.
The GSIDC official informed that the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is recuperating at his private residence at Taleigao, is taking feedback every day over the phone on the progress in the work.
Rickshaws, two-wheelers and pedestrians will not be allowed to travel through the third bridge as it will be risky for the occupants due to the flow of heavy wind.
The total length of the bridge is 5.01 km, out of which 3.5 km stretch work will be completed in first phase and remaining work will be completed by March 2019.
The part of bridge which provides exit towards Ponda side will be opened for traffic after March 2019 as it will take more time for the work to be completed.